To some people, dental fillings can be considered costly and uncomfortable. Because filling a cavity requires drilling the decayed tooth, people are often curious about what other ways a cavity can be treated.
Traditionally, a cavity is treated by filling the tooth with a medically safe material to stop the decay from furthering. However, as dental technology has progressed with time, people have been studying other ways to treat cavities.
Avoiding dental drilling is commonly preferred by most people because it can be painful and scary. Nowadays, there are other ways to treat a cavity so that a filling isn’t always required. Today, we will go over whether or not a dental filling is always necessary to treat a cavity.
In short, the answer is no. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because a dentist tends to want to remove the decayed part (the cavity) and fill it to stop any further damage from occurring. While there aren’t ways to remove a cavity without using a filling, there are ways almost to reverse the decay. Read more below as we address reversal ways of decay.
When a cavity is in its early stages, fluoride can often put the decay at a halt as well as reverse how bad the decay may be. The fluoride agents restore tooth enamel and ensure that it is strong and durable.
Fluoride treatments can be given in a dentist’s office, or toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain high amounts of fluoride can be purchased for daily use.
Dental sealants are usually applied to teeth to protect against cavities from forming. It is a clear, plastic coat application that does exactly what it sounds like — seals the tooth. They are typically applied to molars because molars need extra protection since they chew and grind food.
Dental sealants may be applied to a tooth that has decay forming, and it will put the decay to a halt as well as reverse the current decay. This is most commonly effective for a decaying tooth only when the decay is in its early stages.
While dental fillings provide a person with a restored tooth, they may not always be necessary. They can be expensive and scary to have done because it requires drilling of the tooth. Knowing what alternative treatment methods there are for cavities can help a person who is concerned about having a dental filling done.
If you have questions about dental fillings and whether or not they are necessary, reach out to our office today. Our trained staff can help answer any questions or address any concerns that you might have. Give us a call today!
Request an appointment here: https://www.ddsbaik.com or call Dennis Baik, DDS at (408) 676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Composite Fillings.
Dental fillings are one of the oldest known methods of dental restoration. Dentists have been placing dental fillings for years as a way to stop damage and restore an unhealthy tooth. However, as modern dentistry has begun to take over, certain types of dental fillings are beginning to die out. Silver dental fillings were originally made…
Looking to understand the difference between a dental inlay and a regular filling? Dental inlays are one of many restoration options that general dentists offer patients who are suffering from a damaged tooth. Another common option is a dental filling, which has varying characteristics but offers a similar outcome.Long ago, there were very limited options…
A dental filling is used to restore and renew teeth that are in bad shape. Oftentimes, a general dentist will recommend a dental filling for patients who have a minor cavity, but the procedure can also be used to treat things like chips or cracks.Regardless of what the dental filling is being used to treat,…
As a filling dentist in San Jose, we can provide you with tooth-colored dental fillings that blend in or the more traditional silver fillings. However, we would prefer to help you to stay in good oral health. We provide preventative dental care for families throughout the area and recommend that you have your teeth cleaned…
Zoom teeth whitening® is a worthwhile investment for people who want a whiter and brighter smile. It's not uncommon for people to want to level up their smile by reducing signs of discoloration or stains. That is where a quality teeth whitening system comes in. With so many teeth whitening options out there, it is…
Implant supported dentures are becoming a popular tooth replacement option. They are known to replace entire arches of teeth, whether it be the top or bottom. However, because tooth replacement can be complex, many individuals are curious as to how successful the process is for upper teeth. Continue reading to find out! Below is a quick…